Lewis steps in for Bills at quarterback

With Manuel injured, Buffalo promotes QB off practice squad

Associated Press

Published 9:02 pm, Saturday, October 12, 2013

Orchard Park

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis started to chuckle when asked what he knew about Thad Lewis, the Bills' new interim starter.

"Heh, heh. Well, I know Thad Lewis has a big day ahead of him," Lewis said, referring to the quarterback preparing to make his second career NFL appearance Sunday, when Cincinnati (3-2) plays at Buffalo (2-3).

What made no difference to the Bengals coach was how Thad Lewis arrived at this juncture. Lewis was promoted off Buffalo's practice squad Monday after rookie starter EJ Manuel sprained his right knee in a 37-24 loss to Cleveland.

"Well, I don't care where he came from," Lewis said. "It matters what you do once you're here."

More Information

Bengals at Bills

When: 1 p.m. Sunday

Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park

Radio: WMML 1230 AM, WCSS 1490 AM

Nevertheless, the Bills' quarterback faces a daunting challenge against a stout defense that's already contained three Super Bowl winners. Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger, Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers and New England's Tom Brady have gone a combined 64 of 118 for 692 yards, with two touchdowns and four interceptions.

In a 13-6 win over New England last weekend, the Bengals ended Brady's consecutive-game touchdown streak at 52 and held the Pats out of the end zone for the first time in four-plus years.

"No nerves," said Thad Lewis, who was acquired in a trade with Detroit on Aug. 25

And it makes no difference that some doubt his chances.

"I can't worry about what people say," he said. "It's just about the guys in this building. As long as we believe and trust in each other and go out and play to our best, we will be all right."

The Bengals seek to end a six-game skid at Orchard Park.

Buffalo's 763 yards rushing is the fifth-best total through five games in team history.

Two-time Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd debuts after missing the first five games with plantar fasciitis in both feet. And there's a good chance starting cornerback Stephon Gilmore (broken left hand) will also make his debut. Despite their absences, the Bills have a league-leading nine interceptions, four by rookie linebacker Kiko Alonso.

Lewis started in Cleveland's season finale against Pittsburgh last year and went 22 of 32 for 204 yards with a touchdown and interception.